ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Andaman & Nicobar Island Connectivity Programme.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has said that in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of reaching the last mile, we are committed to build safer all weather roads to provide seamless connectivity in the islands.
In a series of tweets Shri Gadkari informed that the Beodnabad to Ferrargunj section of NH-4 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands was completed in 2019. He said this 26 km stretch constructed at a cost of Rs. 170 Crore was envisaged under the ambitious Andaman & Nicobar Island Dweep Connectivity Programme.
The Minister said it has improved access and ensured seamless traffic movement from Port Blair to other towns of Andaman districts. NH-4, the ‘Andaman Trunk Road’ is lifeline of the islands and is playing an important role in the socio-economic development of A&N Islands, he added.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves merger of Tata Cleantech Capital Limited  and Tata Capital Financial Services Limited  into Tata Capital Limited 
The Competition Commission of India  CCI approves merger of Tata Cleantech Capital Limited  and Tata Capital Financial Services Limited  into Tata Capital Limited . The proposed combination is a merger of TCFSL and TCCL into TCL.
TCL is registered with the Reserve Bank of India  as a Systematically Important Non-Deposit Accepting Core Investment Company  and primarily holds investments in its subsidiaries, which are engaged in lending and offering a wide array of services and products in the financial services sector, including advising and / or management of private equity funds, as are permitted under the directions and guidelines issued by the RBI for CICs from time to time.
TCFSL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TCL and is registered with the RBI as a Systemically Important Non-Deposit Accepting Non-Banking Financial Company and is mainly engaged in the lending services and offering services and products in the financial services sector.
TCCL is a subsidiary of TCL and is registered with the RBI as a Systemically Important Non-Deposit Accepting Non-Banking Financial Company. TCCL engages in the business of providing cash flow-based finance and advisory services for projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, water management and other infrastructure projects.
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Ministry of Finance
Committee of Experts to ‘Onshoring the Indian Innovation to GIFT IFSC’
A ‘Committee of Experts to ‘Onshoring the Indian Innovation to GIFT IFSC’ constituted by International Financial Services Centres Authority  submitted its report to Chairperson, IFSCA, on August 14, 2023. The committee was chaired by Shri G. Padmanabhan, Former Executive Director, RBI. The committee members comprised representatives from leading Venture Capital funds, Startups, Fintechs, Law firms, Tax firms and other domain experts and the constitution of committee can be accessed through the link: https://ifsca.gov.in/IFSCACommittees
The main focus areas of the committee were directed towards understanding the reasons for shifting of Indian startups outside India and suggestions to avoid externalization of startups in the future and also to persuade startups that are presently externalized to redomicile back.
The committee has provided its recommendation that are critical to the development of GIFT IFSC as a global Fintech Hub, besides suggesting measures to encourage new Fintechs to have global outlook to set up their commercial presence in GIFT IFSC. Additionally, the committee has identified challenges and recommended measures for the development of the International Innovation Hub at GIFT IFSC. The report has suggested various measures/ action points to be undertaken by various stakeholders including ministries, regulatory bodies and others in implementing the idea of onshoring the Indian innovation to GIFT IFSC.
The committee report offers a comprehensive comparison of India's approach to holding company setups with other leading jurisdictions like Singapore, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, known for successfully implementing such setups. By highlighting the manifold advantages and addressing potential challenges associated with holding company regimes, the report unveils the immense potential of reverse flipping to drive India's economic development to great heights. The Committee has inter-alia recommended aligning the tax and regulatory laws within the IFSC with international best practices, to create an environment that actively incentivizes and supports holding company structures. The committee has also examined in the report several push-pull factors are responsible for Indian founders flipping to overseas jurisdictions.
The Committee believes that the insights presented in the report will help drive dialogue in the ministry and will contribute to achieving Hon’ble Prime Minister’s grand vision of making India a 5 trillion-dollar economy and a global powerhouse by 2024-25. The Committee Chair Shri G. Padmanabhan, on submission of the report expressed his gratitude to IFSCA for affording an opportunity to work on the extremely topical issue.
Chairperson, IFSCA thanked the committee of experts for their comprehensive recommendations.
The report of the committee can be accessed through the weblink:
https://ifsca.gov.in/ReportPublication/index/aadg9ruDI%20M=
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 623
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 218.66 Crore
More than 11 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 218.66 Crore  today. More than 11 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10415200
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10118871
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
7027087
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18436820
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17716501
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
13657490
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
41029677
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
31785799
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
61945792
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
53075775
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
561281601
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
515805030
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
96066545
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
204030891
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
196970741
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
48953012
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
127669738
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
123144447
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
47469118
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
1024809719
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
948617164
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
213173252
|
|
Total
|
|
2186600135
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 30th September, 2022 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
14
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
160
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
5556
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
31
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
219
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
9831
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
12470
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
36038
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
3196
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
15863
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
9690
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
45392
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
650826
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1898
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9864
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
264464
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1241
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
6495
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
114957
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
28540
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
114031
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1045634
|
|
Total
|
|
1188205
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Discussions on bilateral trade and commercial relations during Suresh Prabhu’sUSA visit on 10-12 June 2018
(Suresh Prabhu at a roundtable with industry representatives during his US visit
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu visited USA on 10-12 June 2018. During his visit he held discussions with the US Trade Representative Robert E. Lighthizer, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur L. Ross and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. He also had a joint meeting with the India Caucus Co-chairs Senator Mark Robert Warner and Senator John Cornyn. The meetings were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere, with appreciation for each other's points of view. Discussions centered around bilateral trade and commercial relations between the two countries and focused on finding the way forward to address concerns of both sides.
In this context, it was agreed that Indian and US officials would meet at a senior level at an early date to discuss various issues of interest to both sides and carry forward the discussions in a positive, constructive and result oriented manner.
During the visit, Suresh Prabhu also addressed business and industry leaders in meetings organized by US-India Business Council  and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum  and held meetings with other stakeholders. In these meetings, the Minister noted the encouraging growth in trade volumes through purchases of US-made civilian aircrafts by Indian companies and enhanced cooperation in the area of energy, including procurement of petroleum and LNG by India from the US. He also pointed out that India’s rapid economic growth will create significant new market opportunities in these and other areas and added that these purchases have already led to reduction in bilateral trade deficit in 2017. Future sales will sustain this trend and create a balanced trade relationship between the two countries.
Ministry of Science & Technology
IASST Inspire fellow developing plasmonic semiconductor nanomaterials to remove toxic materials from water
Biswajit Choudhury working as an Assistant Professorat the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology Assam is exploring ways to develop plasmonic semiconductor nanomaterials  for removal of toxic organic compounds from water by harvesting solar light. He is utilizing of solar light to increase the photocatalytic efficiency of nanomaterials to degrade pollutants as well as generate renewable Hydrogen.
In order to achieve this, the recipient of the INSPIRE Faculty Scheme initiated by the Department of Science &Technology, Govt. of India, is trying to understand the science behind the photon accumulation and amplification of incident light by the plasmonic materials for this purpose. Dr. Choudhury who is clustering the disciplines of physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology has published two papers on his current work in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2019.110053and ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering  https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b05823which focus on the use of plasmonic semiconductor nanomaterials for removal of toxic organic compounds from water by harvesting solar light.
The materials he is developing can easily adsorb toxic ions like arsenic and fluoride, which are often found in water in North East India and convert it to its not toxic forms when they are exposed to sunlight.
A further extension of this work is in the generation of hydrogen  fuel from water, which can reduce the use of greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels. He is using plasmonic nanomaterials for hydrogen energy generation, a process which has shown high photon to hydrogen conversion efficiency under visible and near infra-red light.
The fellowship grant is helping him to design a photocatalytic set up to test the photocatalytic efficiency of catalysts in the lab scale. He is also collecting polluted water from various locations nearby and testing the removal of the toxic contents in water to make the water suitable drinking.
Fig: Biswajit Choudhury with his students in his lab
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Proposals of M/o Food Processing Industries with total project cost of Rs. 363.4 Cr approved
Union Minister of Food Processing industries Shri Narendra Singh Tomar chaired two Inter-Ministerial Approval Committee  meetings through video conference yesterday to consider the proposals received under the Scheme for Creation for Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Cluster  and the scheme for Creation / Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities  under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana . Minister of State, Sh. Rameshwar Teli was also present in the meeting. The promoters of the projects also participated in the meeting through Video Conference.
The proposals for projects approved in the IMAC meetings are expected to increase the level of processing and value addition of horticultural / agricultural produce, which will result in increase in the income of the farmers and create employment at the local level.
The details of proposals approved in the meetings are as follows:
Under CEFPPC:
- 11 proposals with total project cost of Rs. 113.08 Cr including grants-in-aid of Rs. 36.30 Cr in the States of Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, Mizoram & Gujarat.
- These projects will leverage private investment of Rs. 76.78 Cr and are expected to generate employment to 3700 persons & benefit 6800 farmers.
- The Scheme was approved on 05.05.2017 under PMKSY to promote processing / preservation of agro food products and modernization / capacity enhancement of food processing. This will help in increasing the level of processing and value addition thereby reducing the wastage of agro-produce.
Under Creation of Infrastructure for APC:
- 9 proposals with total project cost of Rs. 250.32 Cr. including grants-in-aid of Rs. 66.61 Cr in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Rajasthan.
- These projects will leverage private investment of Rs. 183.71 Cr and are expected to generate employment to 8260 persons & benefit 36000 farmers.
- The scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for APC was approved on 03.05.2017 under PMKSY for encouraging entrepreneurs to set up food processing units based on cluster approach.
President's Secretariat
THE PRESIDENT UNDERGOES CATARACT SURGERY AT ARMY HOSPITAL  TODAY
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu underwent cataract surgery today  at the Army Hospital , New Delhi. Surgery was successful and she has been discharged from the Hospital.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Memorandum of Understanding  signed between Shri Vishwakarma Skill University and National Institute of Technical Teacher’s Training and Research
A Memorandum of Understating  between Shri Vishwakarma Skill University  and National Institute of Technical Teacher’s Training and Research  was signed in the presence of Shri Anantkumar Hegde, Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship here today. The MoU will be inforce for a period of three years. The collaboration targets to ensure purposeful engagement of Faculty, Experts and Industry Partners for various academic activities. Director, National Institute of Technical Teachers Training & Research , Bhopal and Vice Chancellor, Shri Vishwakarma Skill University , Gurugram and other senior officials Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship  were also present on the occasion.
The collaboration between National Institute of Technical Teachers Training & Research and Shri Vishwakarma Skill University seeks to support Vision and Mission of both Institutions related to Technical and Vocational Education, Training and Research. The parties seek to do this through nurturing the initial implementations and supporting practices offering various capacity building services and resources. Both parties will work together with mutual consent and collaboration towards creating output of high standards thus building a joint reputation of quality and effectiveness in delivery.
Shri Anantkumar Hegde, welcoming the MoU, said that the endeavour being made by Shri Vishwakarma Skill University and National Institute of Technical Teacher’s Training and Research is a good step to strengthen the vision and mission of Skill India. The Skill India Mission is a great example of public and private partnership. He also said that the two organizations will focus on output based quality conscious roadmap to make skill training effective and aspirational for the youth. The Minister also added that Skill development and upgradation has to be a continuous effort. He said that Curriculum of training institutions, must be updated regularly.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
PIB Organizes Workplace Vaccination Drive
The Press Information Bureau organized a workplace vaccination drive in the National Media Centre, New Delhi today. A medical team led by Dr Harsh Priya and Shri Vyshakh administered vaccines to about 110 people.
The Centre has approved organizing of COVID-19 vaccination sessions at workplaces  which are having about 100 eligible and willing beneficiaries by tagging these workplaces with an existing COVID Vaccination Center . Organizing vaccination at the workplace is not only convenient but also helps to avoid travel and hence reduces the risk of exposure to COVID-19 virus.
Special Service and Features
Unit level Dak Adalat Adalat on 27.03.2023
Anna Road Head Post Office will conduct an Unit level Dak Adalat on 27.03.2023 at 1030 hours where grievances of customers would be heard in person in the Office of Chief Postmaster, Anna Road HPO, Chennai 600 002. Chief Postmaster will hear the grievances personally relating to Postal Department’s Products and Services. Customers can send their complaints either in person or by post or through email to annaroadho-dop[at]nic[dot]in with the caption ‘DAK ADALAT’ on or before 24.03.2023. Grievances sent through private couriers will not be accepted.
If the complaint is about a postal article, the complaint should contain full details such as date and time of posting, full address of the sender and addressee, registration receipt number with date and office of booking for MO, VP, Registered, Insured or Speed Post articles.
If the complaint is about Savings Schemes, Postal Life Insurance or Rural Postal Life Insurance, it should contain the details of the Account Number/Policy Number, name and full address of the depositor/insured, name of Post Office and any other reference of the Postal Department, according to a press release issued by N.Prakash, Chief Postmaster, Anna Road HPO, Chennai 600 002.
Ministry of Defence
Defence Expenditure as Percentage of Total Expenditure
Details of defence expenditure vis-à-vis Central Govt. Expenditure from 2014-15 to 2017-18 is as follows:

|
|
Year
|
|
Defence Expenditure|
|
Total CGE 
|
|
Def. Exp % of CGE
|
|
2014-15
|
|
285103.95
|
|
16,63,673
|
|
17.13
|
|
2015-16
|
|
294054.93
|
|
17,90,783
|
|
16.42
|
|
2016-17
|
|
377542.01
|
|
19,75,194
|
|
19.11
|
|
2017-18
|
|
380690.97
|
|
22,17,750
|
|
17.16including Defence Pension.
It is true that the Defence expenditure as per percentage of Central Government. Expenditure has fallen, however, the Defence expenditure in absolute terms has been showing a steady increase.
The projections made by the Services are forwarded to Ministry of Finance for favourable consideration as it is the nodal Ministry for allocation of funds. Based on the overall resource position, funds are allocated by Ministry of Finance. While distributing these allocations among the Services, it is ensured that sufficient funds are available to meet critical requirements.
Also depending on expenditure during the year and additional requirements projected, funds are sought at Supplementary/ Revised Estimate  stage. The allocated funds are optimally and fully utilized towards operational activities. Further, if required, schemes are reprioritized to ensure that urgent and critical capabilities are acquired without any compromise to operational preparedness.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Tiruchi Siva in Rajya Sabha today.
Nampi/DK/HS
(
Ministry of Defence
CAS Reviews Combined Graduation Parade at the Air Force Academy
Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Air Staff was the Reviewing Officer for the Combined Graduation Parade at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal on 15 Jun 19.
152 cadets were awarded the President’s Commission as they passed through the portals of the Academy parade ground. Chief of the Air Staff reviewed the parade and addressed the graduating course wherein he complimented the cadets on their exceptional drill standards and impeccable turn out.
He congratulated the officers from friendly foreign countries and those from sister Services for the successful completion of their training. He appreciated all the proud parents for having supported and encouraged their wards to pursue their dreams of a career in the IAF.
He stressed upon the immense trust and confidence that the service reposes in the newly commissioned officers and their capabilities. He also mentioned the pride he felt in reviewing the Parade and made a special mention of the award winners.
Prime Minister's Office
PM expresses shock and sadness at the tragic demise of Former Japanese PM Abe Shinzo
Announces one-day national mourning on 09 July 2022 as a mark of deep respect for Abe Shinzo
The Prime Minister has expressed shock and sadness at the tragic demise of Former Japanese PM Abe Shinzo. Shri Modi also emphasised his association and friendship with Mr. Abe and remarked on the immense contribution that he made to elevate India-Japan relations to the level of a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Shri Modi announced one day of national mourning on 9 July 2022 as a mark of deep respect for Abe Shinzo. The Prime Minister also shared a photograph from their latest meeting in Tokyo.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said;
“I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe. He was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator. He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a better place.”
“My association with Mr. Abe goes back many years. I had got to know him during my tenure as Gujarat CM and our friendship continued after I became PM. His sharp insights on economy and global affairs always made a deep impression on me.”
“During my recent visit to Japan, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Abe again and discuss many issues. He was witty and insightful as always. Little did I know that this would be our last meeting. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the Japanese people.”
“Mr. Abe made an immense contribution to elevating India-Japan relations to the level of a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Today, whole India mourns with Japan and we stand in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters in this difficult moment.”
“As a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, a one-day national mourning shall be observed on 9 July 2022.”
“Sharing a picture from my most recent meeting with my dear friend, Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Always passionate about strengthening India-Japan ties, he had just taken over as the Chairman of the Japan-India Association.”